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BRAIN SCANS REVEAL CHANGES IN PLASTICITY Dr Josh McGeown, a neuroscientist at the Mātai Medical Research Institute, has been studying the brains of players from Gisborne Boys’ High School over a season of rugby, supported by a Neurological Foundation First Fellowship. H is preliminary findings suggest that a greater number of games played in a single season of rugby is not associated with worse brain function – challenging the assumption that all participation in collision sports results in harmful neurological effects. “It actually went against our hypothesis,” Josh explains, adding that more longitudinal research is needed to fully understand why. The study showed positive changes in brain plasticity (the brain’s ability to change and adapt) over a single season of rugby. One possible explanation is a process known as ‘hyperconnectivity’, when the brain forges new pathways to compensate for damage to connections. While this helps to maintain cognitive function in the short term, over time these inefficient connections could force the brain to work harder to perform tasks that were once effortless, potentially leading to negative long-term outcomes. “It is equally plausible that these changes could simply be part of normal adolescent brain development, or a result of the increased physical activity and motor learning associated with playing sport,” he says. Ultimately, his research highlights that while measurable changes occur in the brains of young athletes playing collision sports, interpreting those changes is complex. “This study reinforces the need for much more research to truly understand the long-term effects. Our goal is to assess both the risks and benefits of collision sports on brain health and, by identifying those risks, develop solution-focused strategies to make these sports safer.” Want to hear more? Explore the Lecture Library on our website: neurological.org.nz to watch full-length public talks by Helen, Josh, Nick, and many of the other incredible researchers we support. “It is equally plausible that these changes could simply be part of normal adolescent brain development, or a result of the increased physical activity and motor learning associated with playing sport.” Dr Josh McGeown 12 Headlines